A universal agreement that covers all countries, developed and developing, the COP21 climate deal will serve as the starting point for a long-term effort to stop global temperatures from rising more than­ 2°C (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

UNDP supports an ambitious outcome in Paris that will help bolster efforts to tackle climate change, and put all countries on the path towards zero-carbon, sustainable development. COP21 has the potential to galvanize action and solidarity amongst all stakeholders — simultaneously helping to reduce carbon emissions (zero-carbon), while supporting efforts to adapt to the long-term impacts of climate change.

How UNDP supports climate action at COP21

In the lead-up to COP21, UNDP has helped countries develop and finalize their respective climate targets and actions (known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, or INDCs). These INDCs are a core element of the COP21 process, and are meant to ensure that each country has identified its own contextually-appropriate targets and actions. Looking beyond Paris, UNDP will continue working with its partners as they begin to implement actions, and aim to achieve success against their targets.

With a climate change portfolio in over 140 countries, totaling over USD $2.3 billion in grant funding, UNDP is well-positioned to support partner countries in the post-COP21 ‘era of implementation’.

COP21: A new commitment

During COP21, UNDP will announce a new commitment to support countries’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This will include support for expanding the use of clean and renewable energy, a greater focus on forests and avoiding deforestation, and an increase in investments in climate change adaptation for those countries already experiencing impacts.

Acting on climate change will not only protect our planet. It will spur economic growth, enhance the ability of countries and communities to cope with impacts, and encourage innovation globally.

UNDP is proud to be a supporter of the global movement towards a future that is zero-carbon and sustainable.

Our stories on climate change

In the lead up to the 2015 Equator Prize award ceremony, more than 1,400 nominating organizations were asked to submit their message to world leaders regarding the impacts that climate change has had on their communities.

Our vision is driven by inclusivity and equity, ensuring action for all countries, and with recognition that it is the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States that are the most vulnerable to climate impacts and need the greatest support to adapt.

For the first time covering UNDP’s entire climate change approach, including mitigation and sustainable energy, climate change adaptation, forestry, and support to INDCs, this report outlines UNDP’s decades-long support to tackle climate change across 140 countries.

What's COP21?

COP21, otherwise known as "Paris 2015," is the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where countries will meet to negotiate a new climate change agreement this coming November and December.